Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities

[Texaspirate11]

Happy Monday

Fun time is over - winter is about to knock on our door.
The cold is arriving this week - should be here by Tuesday night
and with it will come below average temps - North of Houston
could see the upper 20's/lower 30's on Friday.

THIS is the time to check your furnace and please remember
if you use a SPACE HEATER to keep it away from pets and kids and curtains.
More house fires are caused by SPACE HEATERS than anything else in
this season.

I'll be back with winter tips - I'm sure I have written it somewhere on here
last year

http://forums.khou.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=549

Stay warm & weather aware

[Texaspirate11]

Lets be weather aware this week, friends
They may post freeze warnings for parts of SE Texas Friday
Please stay warm


SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HOUSTON/GALVESTON TX
240 PM CST MON NOV 10 2014

TXZ163-164-176>179-195>200-210>214-226-227-235>238-110600-
HOUSTON-TRINITY-MADISON-WALKER-SAN JACINTO-POLK-BURLESON-BRAZOS-
WASHINGTON-GRIMES-MONTGOMERY-LIBERTY-COLORADO-AUSTIN-WALLER-
HARRIS-CHAMBERS-WHARTON-FORT BEND-JACKSON-MATAGORDA-BRAZORIA-
GALVESTON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...CROCKETT...TRINITY...GROVETON...
MADISONVILLE...HUNTSVILLE...SHEPHERD...COLDSPRING...LIVINGSTON...
CORRIGAN...ONALASKA...CALDWELL...LAKE SOMERVILLE...
COLLEGE STATION...BRYAN...BRENHAM...NAVASOTA...THE WOODLANDS...
CONROE...WILLIS...LIBERTY...CLEVELAND...DAYTON...COLUMBUS...
EAGLE LAKE...WEIMAR...SEALY...BELLVILLE...HEMPSTEAD...
PRAIRIE VIEW...BROOKSHIRE...HOUSTON...PASADENA...KATY...TOMBALL...
HUMBLE...WINNIE...MONT BELVIEU...ANAHUAC...EL CAMPO...WHARTON...
PIERCE...SUGAR LAND...MISSOURI CITY...RICHMOND...ROSENBERG...
EDNA...BAY CITY...PALACIOS...PEARLAND...LAKE JACKSON...ALVIN...
ANGLETON...FREEPORT...LEAGUE CITY...TEXAS CITY...FRIENDSWOOD...
GALVESTON
240 PM CST MON NOV 10 2014

...COLDER AIR WILL MOVE INTO SOUTHEAST TEXAS THIS WEEK...

A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL MOVE INTO SOUTHEAST TEXAS ON TUESDAY.
MUCH COLDER AIR WILL FILTER INTO THE AREA IN THE WAKE OF THE
FRONT AND LOW TEMPERATURES WILL FALL INTO THE 30S OVER MUCH OF THE
REGION BY THURSDAY MORNING WITH EVEN COLDER TEMPERATURES POSSIBLE BY
FRIDAY MORNING.

THE FRONT WILL CROSS THE COLLEGE STATION AREA AROUND 9 AM...THE
HOUSTON AREA AROUND NOON AND GALVESTON AROUND 3 PM. HIGH
TEMPERATURES AT COLLEGE STATION WILL OCCUR TUESDAY MORNING WITH
TEMPERATURES FALLING INTO THE LOWER 50S BY MID AFTERNOON. IN
HOUSTON...THE HIGH TEMPERATURE WILL OCCUR NEAR NOON WITH
TEMPERATURES FALLING INTO THE MID AND UPPER 50S BY MID AFTERNOON.
ALTHOUGH MILD TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TUESDAY MORNING...BE
PREPARED FOR A DRAMATIC SHIFT IN TEMPERATURES DURING THE
AFTERNOON. THE NORMAL HIGH FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR IS IN THE LOWER
AND MIDDLE 70S. HIGH TEMPERATURES ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY WILL
STRUGGLE TO WARM INTO THE MID 50S.

THE COLDEST MORNING OF THE SEASON IS EXPECTED ON FRIDAY AS HIGH
PRESSURE SETTLES OVER THE SOUTHERN PLAINS. AREAS NORTH OF I-10
COULD EXPERIENCE SEVERAL HOURS WITH TEMPERATURES AT OR BELOW 32
DEGREES. A FREEZE WARNING MAY BE REQUIRED FOR PARTS OF SOUTHEAST
TEXAS ON FRIDAY MORNING.
THE UNSEASONABLY COLD WEATHER WILL PERSIST THROUGH THE WEEKEND
WITH ONLY SLIGHT WARMING FOR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. A DEVELOPING
STORM SYSTEM WILL BRING A GOOD CHANCE OF RAIN TO THE COAST LATE
SATURDAY INTO EARLY SUNDAY.

[Texaspirate11]

Hello

well the cold is here no doubt about it.
With winter we have a different way to prepare and
the link below may help you or those you love.
Please also pass it along to your friends & family members
in Central and North Texas - especially those with disabilities.

Personally, I say bah humbug to this cold

Today Govnah Perry declared it Winter Weather Awareness Day: Good call

http://m.yourhoustonnews.com/bay_area/n ... l?mode=jqm

[Texaspirate11]

11/20

Hello
I want you all to be weather aware this coming Saturday the 22nd
Strong to severe storms are expected by the afternoon and lasting through midnight.
Isolated tornadoes could be a possibility.
Remember November is the second deadliest tornado month.

I cant remember a time where the information was coming so early and all indications
do point to some wild weather this Saturday.

Please tell those you know to be prepared to take shelter is you are under a tornado warning.
Please be aware that we may have strong to severe storms
Please pass the information along that the Houston area will be under severe weather.

Listen to TV or radio and turn on those NOAA weather radios for sure.

Take care - be weather aware.

[Texaspirate11]

Hello Everyone!

Haven't been around because our weather has been very lovely for this time of year!

Here's a lovely jingle from our NOAA peeps!

http://youtu.be/-yGJbkQulQw

[BlueJay]

Love this NOAA jingle! (Weather nerds with a great sense of humor!)
Thanks for sharing.

[Texaspirate11]

Hello Friends

Well...if those of you who want winter here's your chance this week
Hopefully winter will last ONE WEEK - right?!

Arctic front zooming in just in time for us to say goodbye to 2014
and Hello to 2015. Don't think there will be snow but still need to monitor
weather for some frozen precip north of Houston ...
Temps will be in the upper 30's/40's
SO please remember:

If you're using a space heater - please keep it away from curtains Christmas trees and Kids
so many fires during this time are caused by space heaters that are not monitored.

Candles - tis the season to light up the home but not catch it on fire.

If you're going out - layer your clothing.

I want to wish y'all a most wonderful 2015 and I, for one, am looking forward to SUMMER.
It can't get here soon enough
Be safe - and thanks for reading this little forum.

TexasPirate

[Texaspirate11]

HAPPY 2015
Hope you enjoyed the holidays and kept warm
But LOOK this coming week we shall see two cold fronts
(starting Sunday night/Monday) and another VERY COLD
arctic front coming in Thursday.
Temps could fall below freezing -
Please monitor the weather this week

Bundle Up
Take care of your Pets,
Check up on people who may need help
Bring in your plants
And again - keep those space heaters within eyeball range.

I'll be back to update later on in the week.

[Texaspirate11]

Lets be Weather Aware this coming Wednesday night/Thursday morning
HARD FREEZE with gusty winds

People/Pets/Pipes/Plants must be cared for.
Help those that may need weather alerts...

Our Temps for Thursday
Lows Thursday Morning:

N of Hwy 105: 18-22

N of I-10: 25-29

Harris County inside Beltway 8: 27-30

N of HWY 35: 29-32

Beaches: 33-35

From Jeff:

Evening briefing from Jeff:

Significant cold air outbreak heading for the southern plains and TX.

Hard freeze likely Thursday morning over much of the area.

Very cold rain with some sleet possible Friday/Saturday.

Strong arctic high pressure cell over NE Canada will unleash into the US tomorrow and roar off the TX coast early Wednesday. Surface pressure pushes through 1055mb and approach 1060mb over the central plains Wednesday with surface pressure anomalies pushing over 3SD above normal…barometric pressure records may be established over portions of the central and southern plains with this massive arctic high pressure cell. Temperatures in NW Canada are currently in the -40F to -47F range and this air mass will be headed south down the plains very quickly over the next 24-36 hours. Leading edge of the bitter cold air mass will move off the TX coast early Wednesday with already cold temperatures falling during the day. Highs in the 40’s will be reached early with temperatures falling into the 30’s during the day under strong N winds. Wind chill values will fall into the 20’s during the day…making today feel warm. It is going to be cold so prepare accordingly!

Wednesday night/Thursday Morning:

Prolonged hard freeze likely over at least the northern part of the area (N of HWY 105).

Wind Chill Advisories possible over portions of the area.

Strong cold air advection will continue Wednesday night with advection of freezing line deep into the area just after sunset and continued temperature fall all night even with winds staying up. Wind chills will fall into the 10’s and may require wind chill advisory for portions of the area for Thursday morning. Mid and upper level cloud deck streaming overhead from weak upper system near Baja looks to push slightly southward Thursday morning allowing areas north of I-10 to clear some. Given the gravity of the arctic high pressure dome to our north forcing very cold air into the region…think several hours of sub-freezing conditions are likely even with gusty winds and clouds…would go even colder if winds were calm and skies clear and records would likely fall in that event. Extremely dry air mass with dewpoints in the 1’s and 10’s certainly support very cold temperatures, but will moderate over those low values due to continued strong winds and clouds.

Lows Thursday Morning:

N of Hwy 105: 18-22

N of I-10: 25-29

Harris County inside Beltway 8: 27-30

N of HWY 35: 29-32

Beaches: 33-35

Hard freeze criteria is certainly possible north of Hwy 105 with 2 hours or longer below 25. Expect freezing conditions of 8-14 hours across the region. Could even approach hard freeze warning criteria along and north of FM 2920, but still some uncertainty on clouds this far south.

This freeze will likely be particularly damaging as it will be advective in nature (strong winds pushing colder air into the region). 90% of our freezes in this area are radiative or happen on clear calm nights when the temperature cools toward the dewpoints. Radiative freezes allow excellent opportunity for covering of vegetation to produce a “greenhouse effect” as the warmth from the ground is trapped under the protective covering. Advective freezes remove the warmth from the ground with the gusty winds and reduce the effectiveness of a protective covering usually resulting in extensive damage to cold sensitive vegetation and citrus.

Areas north of HWY 105 suggest take all precautions to protect any exposed outdoor pipes as forecasted temperatures of this magnitude for this period of time tend to cause freezing of pipes in this region.

Pets and livestock should be sheltered and water sources checked for ice formation and blockage.

Will continue to refine temperatures for Thursday morning, but all cold weather precautions should be taken for this freeze.

Many areas will not warm above freezing on Thursday until mid to late morning with high temperatures only in the upper 30’s to near 40.

Friday-Saturday:
Baja system ejects toward TX with coastal low forming over the lower TX coast. 1060mb arctic high slides E toward IN and weakens to 1041mb, but still ridges SSW into TX. Cold air looks hard to dislodge and onset of overrunning moisture looks to begin by midday Friday. Friday morning low temperatures look to once again reach freezing across a good part of the area with only a very slow warm up on Friday. Forecast profiles suggest onset of rainfall may be mixed with or all sleet north of a line from Brenham to Conroe to Livingston during the day Friday. Would like to see more warm air advection above the surface to be confident in all rain across those northern counties. Deep surface dry layer will also have to be overcome for precipitation to reach the surface which will likely delay the onset to the warmer parts of midday to afternoon Friday.

Forecast becomes even more uncertain Friday night-Saturday as GFS backs another surge of arctic air into the region with rainfall increasing as overrunning pattern establishes and surface layer moistens. Surface temperatures will fall near or below freezing Friday night north of a line from College Station to Huntsville to Livingston with sleet/rain possible. Am a bit worried that the high temperature forecast for Saturday is only 36-38 for IAH which does not give much room for the models to be “too warm” before we would see possible freezing rain further south. Additionally dewpoints for IAH on the GFS are 28 to 32 on Saturday with a 71% chance of rain which does not really make much sense…would expect a closer dewpoint/temperature for such a forecast rain chance…suggesting either the dewpoints are too low or the surface temperature is too warm.
For now will keep everything liquid south of a College Station to Livingston line both Friday night and Saturday, but this period bears close watch as only a slightly colder surface temperature could result in P-type problems deeper across the area. Forecast soundings show a fairly significant warm advection pattern developing above the surface cold dome Saturday which should reduce any sleet threat and at least attempt to erode the surface cold dome or modify it (warm rain drops falling through the cold air)…this may be what saves the area from a prolonged ice storm in the end.

[Texaspirate11]

Please pass this along to those who may need the information to PREPARE for our HARD FREEZE.
Thanks:DATE: January 6, 2015 12:20:55 PM CST

Protect the 4 PsThe National Weather Service expects below-freezing temperatures Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

Cold weather can pose a danger to the health and safety of Houston residents, and proper care should be taken to reduce exposure to these conditions.


When cold weather occurs, Houstonians should remember to protect People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants.


People

Dress in warm clothing, wear gloves, coats and layers when you're outside.
Never leave children or the elderly in vehicles during cold weather, as they can act as refrigerators and expose anyone inside to sub-freezing temperatures.
Never use a generator, grill, camp-stove or any gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device to heat your home (or any enclosed area). These devices can generate carbon monoxide, which can't be seen or smelled, but is deadly. Download the Houston Fire Department Fire Prevention & Life Safety Guidebook for more safety tips.
Pets

Protect your pets by ensuring that they have a warm, safe place to sleep. The best place for a pet is to sleep in a heated environment.
Do not shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth.
Never leave your animal in a car during cold weather. Cars can act as refrigerators in the winter, holding in the cold and causing animals to freeze to death.
Capturing animals during extreme weather conditions is against City ordinance.
For more cold-weather tips for pets, visit the page in the following link from the ASPCA: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care- ... -tips.aspx

Pipes

During cold weather, particularly when temperatures reach the mid to low 20s, pipes may freeze, causing water leaks and damage to your home. Protect your home by opening the cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow air from your home's heater to warm the pipes under the sink.

Contrary to popular belief - do not let sinks or faucets run to prevent them from freezing, this can impact the water pressure across the system, including that used by fire hydrants.
Insulate outdoor faucets and pipes with insulation or newspaper, and be sure to disconnect and drain hoses from outdoor spigots.
Remember to protect and/or drain your sprinkler systems and garden hoses by shutting them off.
Plants

Protect plants from freezing by covering them with plant-cover fabric, or a light blanket with plastic sheeting on top of it.
Be sure to group potted plants together, and near the edge of a building. Remember that soil in containers can get just as cold as the air temperature, and cause the roots to freeze, even if the above-surface leaves survive.
For more information on what you can do to protect you and your family from the dangers of cold weather, visit houstontx.gov/emergency.

For up-to-date weather information, visit the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston forecast office website at weather.gov/houston.

[Texaspirate11]

A HARD FREEZE WARNING IS IN EFFECT
FOR BRENHAM...GRIMES...MONTGOMERY...LIBERTY...AND AREAS NORTH
WHERE TEMPERATURES AT OR UNDER 24 DEGREES ARE POSSIBLE TONIGHT.

[Texaspirate11]

Hello Everyone

Hope yall made it through our first cold front last night - 1/7
We have another round coming up with rain too -
This weekend should be nothing short of cold/rainy and miserable
Unless you like those kinda days?!

Our friends in the Northern Counties - think Conroe/Crockett
will see some frozen stuff on Friday and Saturday add College Station
to this mess.

Remember stay weather aware - and warm.

[Texaspirate11]

Hello Everyone

I know this forum is for us in Texas, but there is a major winter storm setting its sight on New England.
If you know anyone with a disability or elderly, please make sure they are prepared for this impact.

Several friends of mine who are deaf are gathering batteries and other essential stuff to keep
their assistive technology up and running.

IF you know of anyone, please make sure they get their emergency kits together
food, water, make sure they have heat and other equipment they may need to get through.

Be safe and weather aware: Good luck and please follow your local National Weather Service.

Link: to storm information
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/cap ... this-week/

[Texaspirate11]

IF YOU KNOW ANYONE with a disability or needs sheltering in MASS:

You can dial 211 OR
text the word SHELTER with your ZIP code to 43352

Please pass this along to whomever may need it.

God bless yall its gonna be a doozy.

Stay safe and weather aware

[Texaspirate11]

Here is some wonderful advice for PWD in winter, especially those facing the blizzard up North:
from my friends at Portlight


People with disabilities may want to take extra care during the cold weather season. Some disabling conditions may limit sensory abilities and the ability to maintain body heat, so be particularly vigilant about staying warm when you are out in low temperatures.

Wear multiple layers of clothing, including a scarf around your neck, a winter hat, lined boots and two pairs of socks.

If possible, wear thermal gloves underneath mittens to keep your hands warm.

It’s also a good idea to carry a cell phone.

If you travel in a wheelchair, wrap a small blanket around your legs, tucking it underneath yourself or around your sides. This will help to maintain body heat. Wheelchair users may consider purchasing pneumatic tires for better traction. Another alternative is to use standard dirt bicycle tires. Use table salt or clay cat litter to clear ramps – rock salt can poison working assistance animals and also may be slippery. Remove the tires from your wheelchair and shake debris and ice off them before placing them in your vehicle. Wipe down any metal surfaces (wheelchair tire rims, walkers, etc.) as soon as possible after returning home. This will prevent rusting.

If you are a wheelchair user and unaccustomed to heavy, strenuous wheeling, be very careful when traveling through snow. The added exertion could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Freezing rain also will stick to surfaces such as canes, walkers, forearm cuffs and wheelchairs. Use gripper driving gloves to keep your hands warm and to prevent slipping.

If you use a working assistance dog, remember that dogs also can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite. Get a dog coat to place under the harness, and consider getting boots for the paws. Also, have a blanket in your vehicle for the dog.

Additional tips for people with disabilities:

If you receive home-based care (e.g., homecare attendant, home health aide, visiting nurse service), include caregivers in developing your plan and familiarize yourself with your homecare agency’s emergency plan.

If you are blind or have a visual disability, store a talking or Braille clock or large-print timepiece with extra batteries.

If you have a pet or service animal, also plan for his or her needs (e.g., temporary relocation, transportation, etc.).

If you rely on home-delivered meals, always stock nonperishable food at home in case meal deliveries are suspended during an emergency.

Have a plan with your doctor that addresses emergency prescription refills, if possible.

If you receive dialysis or other medical treatments, find out your provider’s emergency plan, including where your back-up site is located.

If you rely on medical equipment that requires electric power, contact your medical supply company for information regarding a back-up power source such as a battery. Follow the manufacturer's directions when installing the equipment and the battery back-up. If you use a portable generator for emergency power, follow the manufacturer’s directions for safe operation, and check with local fire and building officials for regulations governing generator and fuel use. Ask your utility company if the medical equipment qualifies you to be listed as a life-sustaining equipment customer.
If you rely on oxygen, talk to your vendor about emergency replacements.

[Texaspirate11]

Here is something you can pass along to those stuck in the Boston area:
They help shovel snow for the disabled and elderly in that area


http://neighborsforneighbors.org/page/snowcrew

[Texaspirate11]

Please share: You can now text your emergencies to 911
This is wonderful news for those who are Deaf, Hearing Impaired or Speech limited....

Link:

http://www.911.org/

[Texaspirate11]

TO MY FRIENDS in N TX please be weather aware - frozen stuff coming thru starting tomorrow night.
Right now its a winter stormwatch, but I'm sure will turn to warning. Make sure you got food & other essentials to get you through. This might a couple of days event and you don't want to be without. Make sure if you use space heaters they aren't near curtains or kids - keeping warm does NOT include burning down your home. IF you need electricity and depend on it to LIVE, make sure you got a generator to keep you going in case of outages.

For my friends in Central Tx - lucky dogs.
No, seriously monitor your weather also...stay safe, stay warm, stay wx. aware. Updates later.

[Texaspirate11]

N. TX friends you are now under a WINTER STORM WARNING for sleet and freezing rain. Stay aware of your weather and BE SAFE!!
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM SUNDAY TO 6 PM CST
MONDAY...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN FORT WORTH HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN...WHICH IS IN EFFECT
FROM 6 PM SUNDAY TO 6 PM CST MONDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT.

[Texaspirate11]

I know this isn't about weather
and I hope the moderators are cool with this
but I want to share this with you all;
And make sure to bundle up cuz its cold outside



Free Tax Help & Preparation in Greater Houston
For People who are Deaf and use American Sign Language
The Neighborhood Centers Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities are partnering again this year to provide free ASL interpreting by appointment, to assist people who are deaf with completing their income tax submissions.

Who Qualifies: Any individual or family with a total income of less than $58,000
When: Fridays March 6, 13, 20 &27TH, FROM 1:00 P.M. –5:00 P.M.
Saturdays March 7, 14, 21 & 28TH, 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
WHERE: Registration required
How to register: Contact Jay Stiteley with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities at (832) 394 0670 or by e-mail Jay.stiteley@houstontx.gov a minimum of 48 hours before the proposed requested appointment date. This is first come, first served on the appointment schedule. Interpreting services are being donated through Nightingale Interpreting Services.
To be sure that you bring all the appropriate documentation to complete your income tax filing visit http://www.freetaxcenters.org and click on the link “What to Bring” to print a list of the items.